Williams' Alford Plea Sentencing Legislation Headed to Governor

COLUMBUS – Legislation authored by State Representative Josh Williams’ (R-Sylvania Twp.) to adjust sentencing of an Alford Plea will now head to the Ohio Governor after passing a Senate vote early in the month and a House concurrence vote today.

An Alford Plea is defendant’s ability to plead guilty while maintaining their innocence, often times as part of a deal with a prosecutor to avoid a longer jail sentence or the death penalty. 

“This legislation will allow for sentencing of a defendant to fall in line with their plea,” said Williams. “No long will remorse be used as a component to sentencing when a defendant utilizes an Alford Plea.”

Remorse is a critical component of sentencing, yet we have this legal plea that puts defendants at a disadvantage as soon as they submit this plea,” Williams said. “This legislation will allow defendants to utilize this plea without the unjust consequence of enduring a longer sentence simply because of a preserved lack of remorse.”  

As a part of sentencing, a judge is required under current law to determine a defendant’s remorse or lack off to set an appropriate sentence and would be a detriment to anyone that enters an Alford Plea. 

Williams’ legislation will change sentencing of anyone who submits an Alford Plea by prohibiting the court from imposing harsher sentences based on the idea that they do not show remorse. 

After initially passing the House in May, House Bill 234 will now be headed to Governor DeWine for his consideration before being signed into law.